OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) for ameliorating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolomics. METHODS: Thirty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and an EA group, with 10 rats in each one. Except in the normal group, the intraperitoneally injection with streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes mellitus model in the rest groups. In the EA group, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP6), "Pishu" (BL20) and "Shenshu" (BL23), and electric stimulation was attached to "Zusanli" (ST36)-"Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Pishu" (BL20)-"Shenshu" (BL23), on the same side, with continuous wave and a frequency of 2 Hz, for 10 min in each intervention. The intervention measure of each group was delivered once every 2 days, 3 times a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Body weight, random blood glucose (RBG), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) before intervention, and in 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, separately, as well as sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) of the sciatic nerve after intervention were measured. Metagenomic sequencing (MS) was used to analyze gut microbiota and screen for differential species. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to detect the differential metabolites in plasma, and the metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the differential metabolites. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to assess the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolomics. RESULTS: After 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, when compared with the model group, the EA group showed the increase in body weight, TWL, MWT (P<0.01), and the decrease in RBG (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, SCV and MCV, as well as Chao1 index were dropped in the model group (P<0.01), and those were elevated in the EA group when compared with those in the model group (P<0.01). The dominant bacterial phyla of each group were Firmicutes (F) and Bacteroidota (B), the ratio of them (F/B) in the model group was lower than that of the normal group (P<0.05), and F/B in the EA group was higher when compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). In comparison with the normal group, the relative abundance increased in Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis and Segatella-copri (P<0.05); and it decreased in Ligilactobacillus, Eubacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor, Ligilactobacillus-murinus (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the relevant abundance of the above mentioned gut bacteria was all ameliorated in the EA group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the three groups, 120 differential metabolites were identified and enriched in 28 key metabolic pathways, such as glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid, of which, glycerophospholipid was the most significantly affected pathway in EA intervention. Spearman correlation analysis showed that 6 phosphatidylcholine metabolites were significantly positively correlated with Pseudoflavonifractor and were negatively with Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis, Segatella-copri; 5 phosphatidylethanolamine metabolites were significantly negatively correlated with Pseudoflavonifractor and positively correlated with Prevotella, Segatella, Prevotella-hominis, Segatella-copri. CONCLUSION EA may regulate metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid, modulate specific gut microbiota such as Pseudoflavonifractor, Prevotella, and Segatella, and the co-expressed differential metabolites like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, thereby reducing blood glucose and protecting nerve function, so as to relieve the symptoms of DPN of rats.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Diabetic Neuropathies/microbiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Metabolomics ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points

Objective To analyze the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis in China from 1992 to 2021, and to project the disease burden of schistosomiasis in China from 2022 to 2030, so as to provide insights into the elimination of schistosomiasis in China. Methods The prevalence, age-standardized prevalence, disability-adjusted life year (DALYs) rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, as well as the years lost due to disability (YLDs) rate and age-standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections in China, the world and different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources, and the trends in the disease burden due to schistosomiasis were evaluated with estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition, the age, period and cohort effects on the prevalence of schistosomiasis were examined in China using an age-period-cohort (APC) model, and the disease burden of schistosomiasis was predicted in China from 2022 to 2030 using a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model. Results The age-standardized prevalence and DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, and the age-standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections were 761.32/10⁵, 5.55/10⁵ and 0.38/10⁵ in China in 2021. These rates were all lower than the global levels (1 914.30/10⁵, 21.90/10⁵ and 3.36/10⁵, respectively), as well as those in the medium SDI regions (1 413.61/10⁵, 12.10/10⁵ and 1.93/10⁵, respectively), low-medium SDI regions (2 461.03/10⁵, 26.81/10⁵ and 4.48/10⁵, respectively), and low SDI regions (5 832.77/10⁵, 94.48/10⁵ and 10.65/10⁵, respectively), but higher than those in the high SDI regions (59.47/10⁵, 0.49/10⁵ and 0.05/10⁵, respectively) and high-medium SDI regions (123.11/10⁵, 1.20/10⁵ and 0.12/10⁵, respectively). The prevalence and DALYs rate of schistosomiasis were higher among men (820.79/10⁵ and 5.86/10⁵, respectively) than among women (697.96/10⁵ and 5.23/10⁵, respectively) in China in 2021, while the YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections was higher among women (0.66/10⁵) than among men (0.12/10⁵). The prevalence of schistosomiasis peaked at ages of 30 to 34 years among both men and women, while the DALYs rate of schistosomiasis peaked among men at ages of 15 to 19 years and among women at ages of 20 to 24 years. The age-standardized prevalence of schistosomiasis showed a moderate decline in China from 1992 to 2021 relative to different SDI regions [EAPC = -1.51%, 95% CI: (-1.65%, -1.38%)], while the age-standardized DALYs rate [EAPC = -3.61%, 95% CI: (-3.90%, -3.33%)] and age-standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections [EAPC = -4.16%, 95% CI: (-4.38%, -3.94%)] appeared the fastest decline in China from1992 to 2021 relative to different SDI regions. APC modeling showed age, period, and cohort effects on the trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in China from 1992 to 2021, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis appeared a rise followed by decline with age, and reduced with period and cohort. BAPC modeling revealed that the age-standardized prevalence and age-standardized DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, and age-standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections all appeared a tendency towards a decline in China from 2022 to 2030, which reduced to 722.72/10⁵ [95% CI: (538.74/10⁵, 906.68/10⁵)], 5.19/10⁵ [95% CI: (3.54/10⁵, 6.84/10⁵)] and 0.30/10⁵ [95% CI: (0.21/10⁵, 0.39/10⁵)] in 2030, respectively. Conclusions The disease burden of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in China from 1992 to 2021, and is projected to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2030. There are age, period and cohort effects on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in China. Precision schistosomiasis control is required with adaptations to current prevalence and elimination needs.

AIM: To investigate the effect of corneal topography-guided phacoemulsification with transparent corneal incision on cataract patients.METHODS:A total of 92 cataract patients(92 eyes)admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to February 2023 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group(46 eyes)received the conventional 11:00 clear corneal incision scheme, and the study group(46 eyes)received the steepest meridian clear corneal incision scheme. The uncorrected visual acuity, corneal surface morphology indicators, including surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI), and cylinder(CYL), subjective dry eye symptoms questionnaire scoring scale(SDES), tear film break-up time(BUT), and complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:All patients completed the follow-up. The uncorrected visual acuity of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); there were statistical significance in the SAI and CYL of both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the fluctuation levels of SDES and BUT in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at different time points after surgery(all P<0.05); and there was no statistical difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Under the guidance of corneal topography, phacoemulsification through the transparent corneal incision of the steepest meridian of the cornea can improve the uncorrected visual acuity of cataract patients, restore the corneal surface morphology, and have few complications.

AIM: To investigate the effect of corneal topography-guided phacoemulsification with transparent corneal incision on cataract patients.METHODS:A total of 92 cataract patients(92 eyes)admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to February 2023 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group(46 eyes)received the conventional 11:00 clear corneal incision scheme, and the study group(46 eyes)received the steepest meridian clear corneal incision scheme. The uncorrected visual acuity, corneal surface morphology indicators, including surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI), and cylinder(CYL), subjective dry eye symptoms questionnaire scoring scale(SDES), tear film break-up time(BUT), and complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:All patients completed the follow-up. The uncorrected visual acuity of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); there were statistical significance in the SAI and CYL of both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the fluctuation levels of SDES and BUT in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at different time points after surgery(all P<0.05); and there was no statistical difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Under the guidance of corneal topography, phacoemulsification through the transparent corneal incision of the steepest meridian of the cornea can improve the uncorrected visual acuity of cataract patients, restore the corneal surface morphology, and have few complications.

The global outbreak of monkeypox in 2022 has aroused widespread concern in public health. To date, the prevention and treatment of monkeypox has mainly relied on smallpox vaccines and drugs. This study aims to screen and obtain therapeutic antibodies with high affinity, neutralizing activity, and protective effects, and provide candidate molecules for the development of specific therapeutic antibodies against monkeypox. Therefore, humanized mice were immunized to screen for antibodies against the envelope protein of the mpox virus. Two M1R-specific antibodies, 12G5 and 12H6, were obtained, with the affinity of 0.095 nmol/L and 0.089 nmol/L, respectively. The 50% reduction of the plaque counts (PRNT₅₀) of 12G5 and 12H6 was (1.821±1.766) μg/mL and (17.605±2.383) μg/mL, respectively. The two antibodies targeted two binding epitopes of M1R. Moreover, 12H6 could protect 60% of mice from death following the vaccinia virus challenge. This study provides research materials for subsequent in-depth studies on the immunoprotection of mpox virus and potential therapeutic strategies.
Animals ; Mice ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology* ; Monkeypox virus/immunology* ; Mpox, Monkeypox/immunology* ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology* ; Humans ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis* ; Female

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, is associated with a significantly increased risk of both venous and arterial thromboembolism. Common risk factors for thrombosis include disease activity, surgery, older age, central venous catheterization, etc. However, thrombotic events related to pharmacological treatment are often under-recognized, despite their potential for severe consequences. With the rapid expansion of therapeutic options for IBD in recent years, it has become increasingly important to acknowledge that different agents carry varying levels of thrombotic risk. This review summarizes current evidence on the thrombotic risks associated with IBD therapies and outlines preventive strategies, aiming to optimize the thrombosis risk management and reduce treatment-related thrombotic events in IBD patients.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of dual plasma molecular adsorption(DPMAS)sequential plasma exchange(PE)artificial liver mode in the treatment of liver failure(LF).Methods Eighty-five patients with LF receiving the artificial liver treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical Univer-sity from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects and divided into the study group(n=52)and the control group(n=33)according to the different treatment modes.The study group conduc-ted DPMAS sequential PE treatment and the control group underwent the PE treatment.The liver function[total bilirubin(TBIL),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),serum albumin(ALB),globulin(GLO),prealbumin(PAB)],Hb,coagulation function[platelet(PLT),plasminogen activity(PTA),international normalized ratio(INR),fibrinogen(FIB)]before treatment and at 24 h after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with before treatment,the levels of TBIL,ALT,AST,GLO and Hb after the first and second treatment in the two groups were decreased,ALB level in the control group and PAB level after the second time treatment was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with after the first treatment,the levels of TBIL,ALT and GLO after the second treatment in the two groups and the levels of AST and Hb in the study group were decreased,ALB level in the study group and PAB level in the two groups were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of PLT and FIB after the first treatment in the two groups and INR level in the control group were decreased,PTA level in the control group was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of PLT,INR and FIB after the second treatment in the two groups were decreased,PTA level was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with be-fore treatment,the levels of PLT,INR and FIB after the second treatment in the two groups were decreased,and PTA level was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with after the first treatment,PTA level after the second treatment in the study group was increased and INR level was decreased.Conclusion PE and DPMAS sequen-tial PE all could improve the liver function in the patients with LF,moreover the two times treatment has more significant effect.

Abdominal obesity represents the predominant obesity phenotype in China.Compared to peripheral obesity,individuals with abdominal obesity are more prone to metabolic disorders,cardiovascular diseases,and higher mortality rates.Catgut embedding therapy at acupoints has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in preventing and treating abdominal obesity.However,standardized clinical guidelines for its application in abdominal obesity management have not yet been established.This review comprehensively summarizes the clinical applications of catgut embedding therapy for simple abdominal obesity and abdominal obesity with various complications,aiming to provide clinical evidence and theoretical guidance for its use in preventing and treating abdominal obesity.

Under the influence of long-term space flights and the confined space environment,it is very easy to induce space depression syndrome,mainly manifested as decreased emotional stability,sleep disorders,mental fatigue,etc.,which seriously affect the living conditions and working abilities of astronauts.The current treatment methods mainly focus on psychological support and drug intervention.Acupuncture has a good effect in treating depression.Therefore,starting from the TCM pathogenesis and modern medical pathogenesis of aerospace depression syndrome,we conducted literature retrieval from databases such as the Chinese Medical Classic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,and Web of science.For the included literature,we adopted the stratified evidence scoring method and combined the TCM mechanism and modern medical mechanism of the effect of acupuncture.A prescription for acupuncture points was constructed to provide a basis for selecting acupuncture points for the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome through acupuncture.

Objective:To investigate the role of the angiopoietin (Ang)/tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (Tie2) pathway in mediating histone-induced coagulation activation in mice with acute lung injury, and the protective mechanism of unfractionated heparin (UFH).Methods:Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into three groups ( n=8 per group): Control group, Histone group, and Histone + UFH group using the random number table method. The Histone group and Histone + UFH group were administered 50 mg/kg histone via the tail vein. One hour later, UFH was given at a dosage of 400 U/kg by the same way. The Control group was administered an equivalent volume of sterile saline solution. Four hours after modeling, tissue samples were collected. HE staining was performed to observe the pathology of lung tissue. Lung lobe wet and dry weights were measured to assess the degree of pulmonary edema. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of fibrinogen (FIB) in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect the levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and D-dimer (D-D) in plasma. The qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of tissue factor (TF), FIB, PAI-1, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of TF, FIB, Ang-1, Ang-2, and pTie2 in lung tissue. Results:The HE staining results revealed that, compared to the Control group, the Histone group exhibited thickened alveolar walls, significant neutrophil infiltration, and alveolar congestion with edema, indicating histone-induced ALI ( P<0.001). In contrast, the Histone + UFH group exhibited milder lung injury ( P<0.001), suggesting that UFH mitigated the lung damage induced by histones. The lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung water content percentage were significantly higher in the Histone group than in the Control group ( P<0.001), while UFH reduced the severity of pulmonary edema ( P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed intravascular thrombus formation and fibrin deposition in the Histone group, which were reduced by UFH. ELISA results showed significantly elevated levels of TAT, PAI-1, and D-D in the Histone group ( P<0.001), and UFH decreased the levels of these parameters stimulated by histone ( P<0.05). The qRT-PCR showed increased mRNA expression of TF, FIB, PAI-1, and Ang-2, and decreased expression of Ang-1 and Tie2 in lung tissues in the Histone group, while UFH mitigated the effects of histones on mRNA expression of these parameters. Western blot analysis indicated increased protein expression of TF, FIB, and Ang-2 ( P<0.01), and decreased expression of Ang-1 and Tie2 in lung tissues in the Histone group ( P<0.01), and UFH reduced the impact of histones on the protein expression of these parameters ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Histones can cause lung injury, pulmonary edema, and coagulation activation in mice lung tissue. UFH can effectively alleviate histone induced lung injury, and coagulation activation in by histones via the Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway.